Leadership Academy

Our Leadership Academy is suited for classes and schools of all shapes and sizes. We take a group of individuals and forge them into a team through shared adversity, leaving them more bonded than a class or seminar ever could. We challenge them and teach them what it means to be a leader. The activities throughout the week will give them confidence, help them overcome their fears, and inspire them to lead from the front. Our mission is to provide your students with an unforgettable experience that will teach them concrete skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.

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Designed for: Current high school students

Next program: Summer 2024

What to expect: High adventure activities paired with lessons in leadership and team building that transfer to everyday life. Build lifelong relationships while setting yourself apart for future college and job applications.

How to register: Apply now on our Forms & Applications page.

MENTORING

Over the past 25 years, Outdoor Odyssey has provided mentoring opportunities to over 3,000 high school students in Southwestern Pennsylvania. These mentors lead youth in need throughout not only a week of our adventure camp, but also throughout the following school year. Over 4,500 youth have been provided with a mentor since our mission began in 1998. Unfortunately, many children in our area endure hardships and adversities that they should not be faced with. By matching these children with a positive, educationally-motivated mentor, we hope to build their confidence by showing them that they can not only conquer a climbing wall or zip-line, but that they can also be successful in school and life.  To give students the opportunity for success and increase the potential to reach their dreams, the mentor follows up with the student at least twice a month, striving to make progress on their goals and to make those dreams a reality. Campers who graduate from the mentoring program continue to be involved with Outdoor Odyssey through the Leadership Transition Program (LTP) where they gain new experiences and responsibilities alongside their peers and prepare to be mentors in the future.

Watch our Mentor Recruiting Video here!

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Designed for:

• Mentors- Current high school students

• Campers- Students ages 9-12

• LTP- Students ages 13-18

What to expect: High adventure activities, leadership philosophies, and other unique and exciting activities designed to bond mentoring teams to support follow up throughout the school year.

How to register: New participants may call/email us or contact their school guidance counselor to register. Returning participants will receive paperwork in the spring of 2024.

Cost: Free for new campers; $50 for returning campers. (Program cost is subsidized by sponsors and donations.)

*Space is limited for Summer 2024 programming weeks. We strive to make the best mentoring teams possible to ensure positive follow up, so available camper spots depend on available mentors and camper age/school district.

Junior Leadership Ambassador Program

Outdoor Odyssey's Leadership Academy offers a unique wilderness challenge and a chance to experience success as part of a team! We build confidence and inspire each person's leadership potential.

Our leadership curriculum is second to none. We use tried and true methods to strengthen, empower, and motivate our young leaders to be the best they can be!

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Designed for: Junior High and High School Students

What to expect: This program for young leaders features high adventure activities paired with lessons in leadership and team building that transfer to everyday life.

How to register: Students are recommended by their guidance counselors and paperwork is distributed at school.

FIELD TRIPS

Give your students an experience that will last a lifetime! Our field trip package offers something for every one of your students. Whether it’s climbing our 30’ rock wall, canoeing around with friends in our tranquil pond, or playing some high-paced, exciting games, all students, no matter their athletic ability, will find something to enjoy.

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Designed for: Students ages 9+

Next program: Contact us to check availability.

What to expect: Designed specifically for your group. Adventure elements combined with lessons to improve students’ leadership and team building skills.

How to register: Contact us to start planning your field trip today.

Cost: Varies per length of field trip and number of participants.

JROTC

The cultivation of leaders starts with the Leadership Curriculum developed by our founder Major General T.S. Jones (ret.). Based on his own personal experiences and what he learned throughout his 36-year career in the Marine Corps, General Jones has developed a curriculum that embodies the ideas and concepts of leadership and transforms them into philosophies and principles that are easy to grasp and implement. One of the strong points of the program is teaching students to lead by example and to have their orientation progress from self to team.

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Designed for: Current high school JROTC students

What to expect: High adventure activities, physical training sessions, and lessons in leadership and team building.

How to register: Instructors should contact us to plan your unique JROTC session. Cadets should coordinate with their instructors to have them schedule a JROTC session.

Cost: Varies by length of session and number of participants.

university

Creating a Teambuilder for universities is as unique as the universities themselves. We understand that groups are working within constraints of time and budget. Over the years we have provided exciting, powerful and beneficial programming to university groups large and small (15 to 200+ people). Outdoor Odyssey sets itself apart from the others by not only providing top-notch adventure programming but combining it with our proven leadership curriculum. Let us work with you to find the right combination without sacrificing programming, quality, or safety.

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Designed for: College/university students, including sports teams, Greek life, and student organizations

Next program: Contact us to check availability.

What to expect: High adventure activities, team building, and leadership philosophies designed to bring groups together and encourage bonding among participants.

How to register: Contact us to plan your university session.

Cost: Varies by length of session and number of participants.

Camp Cadet of somerset county

Camp Cadet is a non profit organization that is run by members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Somerset County and Somerset Turnpike Barracks, local law enforcement and supporting adult and youth agencies. The program consists of a week long camp for youth 13 to 15 years of age from Somerset County. Cadets are introduced to various aspects of the Pennsylvania State Police while also completing high adventure challenges. Inquiries about Camp Cadet can be directed to Tpr. Jeff Brock.

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Designed for: Somerset county students ages 13-15.

Next program: Summer 2024

What to expect: Instruction about the Pennsylvania State Police, physical training, and high adventure activities.

How to register/More information: www.campcadetofsomerset.com